Steven got this very helpful reference book for me, The
Complete Guide to High-End Audio Fifth Edition by Robert Harley, as I
slowly learn some of the ins and outs of high-end audio. I am very content
listening to the awesome systems both within our home and at shows. Other times,
there are great interests in what makes these products excellent, and so I
really want to know about the what, why, and especially how these systems achieve their great sound.

I realize there are people out there who actually enjoy
reading technical manuals, such as my husband Steven, yet this is not for me.
The Complete Guide to High-End Audio
is perfect for me as a reference book. In fact I bring it with me to the many
different audio shows we attend just in case there are questions about
something. Am a bit timid and don’t want to ask a silly question, so I refer
to my awesome new book! For me, and probably all audiophiles both seasoned and
aspiring, have found the glossary extremely helpful. There is an incredible
amount of information within this book that my every question is answered in one
form or another. There is so very much to learn about high-end audio within this
impressive reference book as my journey into audio gear flourishes.

A Great Reference Book Even A Pro Can Benefit FromAs a fellow reviewer and editor, plus having known
Robert Haley’s writing for well over 20 years, it always impresses me when
someone can do an excellent job putting pen to paper. The
Complete Guide to High-End Audio Fifth Edition by Robert Harley is
556 pages of experience, technical knowledge plus many very useful tips and
tricks. The pure engineering geek within me loves both the in-depth information
and helpful diagrams. There are so many topics covered in this book that am not
sure where to begin my review. Just like my wife Heather, you can pick and
choose topics you want to learn, or dig right in and read it cover to cover.
Eventually reading it all yet again, or referencing a chapter when needed to
improve one’s knowledge or tweak the task at hand. A glossary can help someone
to better understand all those seemingly ‘secret’ acronyms and audio jargon
plus a handy index so you can find what you’re looking for within this
colossal book.

The 16 chapters each cover a range of expertise and knowledge.
Chapters within this well-written book range from an informative introduction to
turntables, preamps, amps, speakers, plus personal audio and so very much more.
There is a chapter to help you become a better listener! While there is
quite of bit of extremely important information every audiophile should know,
one of my faves is loudspeaker and room acoustics. Getting your speakers
optimized within your room is tremendously important and can not be overlooked.
All types of rooms, speaker types and even subwoofer placement tips are
described in detail within The Complete Guide
to High-End Audio Fifth Edition. For those looking to sample this
great book, here's a four
page PDF about loudspeakers.

Analog lovers rejoice as turntable setup, record care, and
more are clearly and concisely explained to achieve the best from your LP
playback system. On the other end of the spectrum is multi-channel surround
sound / home theater tips and tricks help you better understand the intricacies
of setup and fine-tuning many speakers within your room. Once you’re system is
setup, there is a great chapter about tuning and tweaking to achieve the very
best from your high-end audio investment.

Robert does a brilliant job at carefully enlightening us all
about the technical aspects of high-end audio gear. There are many easy to
understand diagrams that further aid in learning about the topic at hand. This
way both the newbie, such as my wife Heather, and a seasoned pro such as yours
truly can grasp the many complexities to produce high quality audio. Enjoy
the Music.com’s Rob Selina reviewed the
second edition of The
Complete Guide to High-End Audio back in October 1999.
Within the review, Rob said "Once the book covers the basics of a particular
piece of equip, the next section usually describes what to listen to in a good
piece. Most of us have to learn this the hard way, but if you can learn
vicariously, please do. You can save a lot
of money and time by taking this man's advice. Aside from covering product
selection, the speaker placement information and tweak sections let you really
optimize that well selected system you just bought."

Robert Harley has done an excellent job continually updating
this must-have reference manual and I feel every audiophile, hobbyist and music
lover can greatly benefit from this masterpiece. The
Complete Guide to High-End Audio Fifth Edition by Robert Harley can
save you both time, and money, in triumphantly attaining the very beast from
your audio gear. Forget the typical reviewer-speak saying "highly recommended";
buy this book right now! As always in the end what really matters is that you...